A high-profile delegation from the World Bank, led by Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira, divisional director overseeing Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Bénin, and Guinea, conducted a strategic on-site inspection of the Autonomous Port of Lomé (PAL) this past Thursday. The visit coincided with the signing of groundbreaking financial agreements and focused on identifying new avenues for collaboration to reinforce the port’s position as the premier logistics hub in West Africa.
Lomé’s port: A trailblazing transshipment gateway in West Africa
Warmly received by Edem Kokou Tengué, the PAL’s managing director, the delegation was given an in-depth tour of the port’s state-of-the-art facilities and impressive operational achievements. During the discussions, Tengué highlighted the nation’s most compelling advantages, emphasizing how these have propelled Togo’s economic growth on the continental stage.
The Lomé Container Terminal (LCT) stands as a testament to the port’s modernization, boasting the capacity to accommodate the latest mega-ships navigating global trade routes. Complementing this are specialized terminals, including dedicated mineral, oil, and conventional shipping zones. Additionally, the Vision Togo 2040 initiative outlines the country’s long-term blueprint, which includes developing the coastal corridor into multiple logistics and commercial hubs to drive future prosperity.
A catalyst for sustainable job creation
For Uwanyiligira, the World Bank’s keen interest in the Port of Lomé stems from its outsized contribution to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) and overall economic vitality. She underscored the transformative potential of the port’s efficiency in shaping both economic performance and employment opportunities across the country.
« The port’s influence is so profound that its operational efficiency directly impacts economic output and job creation. For institutions like ours, our guiding principle remains clear: fostering more employment—especially productive, high-quality jobs that drive sustainable growth. » — Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira
Uwanyiligira expressed admiration for Togo’s remarkable progress, attributing it to substantial public investments that have elevated the port to a level of competitiveness few African nations can match.
200 million dollar funding to link the port with industrial zones
The high-level visit culminated in a landmark announcement: the World Bank Group, through its public and private financing arms—long-standing partners in the port’s expansion—has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Togo’s ambitious future projects.
A landmark 200 million dollar agreement (approximately 120 billion West African CFA francs) was finalized with the Ministry of Finance and Budget. This substantial funding is earmarked for a transformative urban and logistics transport project. The initiative aims to directly connect the Autonomous Port of Lomé with the country’s key industrial zone, enhancing road infrastructure and upgrading the railway network to optimize cargo movement and trade efficiency.